The Ketchum keystone. [volume] (Ketchum, Idaho) 1885-1899, 1887-07-02
might require, and that the horses
should be stalled and fed.

might require, and that the horse
should be stalled and fed.
Then taking me to the door O
his house: and opening it with 1
large key, he stopped on the thres
hold and said: "Yeu are an Eng
lish gentleman, and therefore
man of honor. am about to d.
that which no Mohammedan vii
or ought to do. 1t admit you t.
my harem among my family.
have heard how English gentle
men visit the houses of friends and
live ms men of honor with their
families, without restraint. / shall
do the same, for have special
reasons for my conduct, which
will relate when you have rested
1t is my earnest hope that you
should feel as if you were with one
of your own cOuntrymen; but !
beg you to keep secret from every
one your visit to my house, and
never to mention whom you may
see within it,"
He then led me up narrow stair
case into a wcll-lighted room,
handsomely furnished with beauti-
full carpeting, comfortable divans,
mirrors, Turkish tables, arms hung
on the wall, and couch with pref
ty embroided cushions and a silk
quilt, which he said was to be my
bed.
Again and again he badc me
welcome, adding: al shall leave
you to respose. You must be
hungry. Supper is ordered. A
pipe and coffee will be brought
you; order what you please" Then,
rs he withdrew, he repeated again,
in n kind tone: "An English
Efendi is always a man of honor.
While inspecting the room and
wondering what all this meant, |
heard n gentle step, and tall,
graceful figure of about seventeen
entered. She was dressed hand
somely in a jacket used by Turkish
ladies, with bodice open in front,
like unto the square dresses now
worn by English ladies of an even
ing. She had on yellow silk
4" shalvas," or trousers fastened by
a white muslin sash, the ends of
which were prettily embroidered
and hung outside the "sllalvas."
Her complexion was olive, with
very large dark eyes and long
eye-lashcs; her nose aqueline
and her mouth like a ring set in
ruby lips. She looked grave and
sad, but bushes suffused her
checks as she bowed gracefully, and
with n sweet smile put chebook"
into my mouth, and then retired.
Her hair was braided in tresses
around her head and adorned
with coins. Two long braids hung
down her back. This vision of a
Turkish maiden seemed like n
and while pOndering over
the pretty figure that had just left,
and wondering whether she would
return, another damsel appeared,
bearing a cup of coffee in finjan"
studded with precious stones. Bend
ing before me she put it on the little
table.
She appeared to be about fifteen,
dressed like the bearer Of the che
book, but of fairer complexion,
with dark blue eyes, her nose "re-
troussee." She was not so demurc
in her looks or manner, and stand
ing before me blushing and smiling,
with a mirthful expression, said in
a very sweet voice, My father bids
me ask if there is anything you
wish for, and to say your supper
will soon be ready" thanked
her but held my tongue, remember
ing / was an honorable man."
She retired, turning at the thrushold
TO look at me, having pretty smile
Of mischief. Shortly after the elder
lamsel reappcared. bringing sher-
bet. l thanked her and she bowed
and withdrew.
Then the host followed to an
nounce chat supper was ready; in
luiring whether l had been properly
attended to, he led me to a lower
room, remarking that he thought /
should be better able to enjoy my
.epast without his presence. but
hat he hoped in the evening to
converse with me.
During the supper / was waited
,n by both the fair maidens, who
brought me in succession number
of savory dishes, with fruit and
sweets of all kinds, for which the
Turks are famous. l parto0k Of
everything largely, to the evident
and pleasure of the
naidens. The elder was no longer
20 dcmure in her manner, and the
eyes of the younger sparkled with
fun as she waited on me; but
-cfrained from conversation further
han to thank them now and then,
saying ever to myself, MY host
saws / am an honorable man." but
fear my looks betrayed my admi-
ration.